Go ahead for Wales' first commercial tidal energy farm

THE go-ahead has been given for the first commercial tidal energy farm in Wales, which will generate energy for 10,000 homes.

The go-ahead has been given for the first commercial tidal energy farm in Wales, which will generate energy for 10,000 homes.

The multi-million pound scheme will be delivered by Siemens-owned Marine Current Turbines (MCT) – through project development company SeaGeneration Wales.

It will consist of five 2MW tidal stream turbines – which will be secured to the seabed to harness energy from tidal flows – in an area between the Skerries group of rocks and islands and Carmel Head around one kilometre off the coast of Anglesey.

The Welsh Government’s awarding of a marine licence for the ambitious project has ensured the awarding of £10m Marine Energy Array Demonstration award from the UK Government’s Department for Energy and Climate Change.

The SeaGeneration Wales project, which is expected to enter commercial operation in 2015, will make use of the local port facilities at Holyhead for the installation and operations and maintenance.

First Minster Carwyn Jones Wales Carwyn Jones said:“I am delighted to announce that the Welsh Government has granted a Marine Licence for the Skerries Tidal Stream Array project, which moves Wales a step closer to hosting the first scheme of this kind in the UK.

“This demonstrates the significant benefits of choosing Wales for marine energy investment, with our unique tidal resources, good port facilities and proximity to the grid.”

“We have supported and worked closely with the company from the minute they showed their initial interest in the development of the site, including financial support towards early feasibility studies. The next step is to develop the industry so that tidal power can contribute towards our future energy mix.”

Minster for State at theDepartment of Energy and Climate Change, Greg Barker said: “The £10m will give SeaGeneration Wales the boost they need to leap to the next level and test its innovative turbines in formations out at sea.

"This project will provide valuable insight into how best to harness the power of the sea and take us one vital step closer to realising the full potential of marine in our future energy mix.I am delighted that SeaGeneration Wales are rising to the challenge and wish them every success.”

Achim Woerner, chief executive officer of Siemens’ energy hydro and ocean Unit said: “We welcome the Welsh Government’s decision to grant approval for the Skerries scheme, the largest of its kind in the UK to date.

"The consent is an important milestone in Wales’ transition to a low carbon economy and the tidal farm will provide a very positive economic boost to Anglesey and North Wales.

“We are also delighted that the Skerries project which is being developed by Sea Generation Wales has been selected for the £10m Marine Energy Array Demonstration award.These developments confirm the viability of the SeaGen technology for larger scale deployment and the overall potential for the sector.”

RWE npower renewables has supported the development of the proposals from MCT throughout the consenting process.

Its hydro development manager, Richard Church, said:“Our involvement in the development of the Skerries scheme has proved to be valuable, in terms of the knowledge we have gained about the consenting process and about this new and innovative technology.”

SeaGen is the first proven full-scale commercial tidal turbine developed by MCT, which has operated successfully in Strangford Lough in Northern Ireland since 2008.

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